Question:
Lazyboy or Bed?

5 days and counting...Open RNY - Scheduled for 7/17.. I was wondering, How soon after your home are you really up and around? I've noticed several people spent at least a few days in their lazyboys...Because it was hard to get in and out of the bed, How long does that last? My bedroom is upstairs... Any suggestions. Thank you Alma    — Alma H. (posted on July 12, 2000)

July 12, 2000
I too was concerned about this before I had my wls on 4/19/00. I had read that so many could not get in bed, that they had to sleep sitting up in a recliner or the couch. NOT FOR ME! The first week or so my bed at night was the only place I was comfortable. I held my hand against my stomach getting up and out but once I was in, it was like heaven! I had to sleep on my back. I could not lay on my side for several weeks. I did not need naps during the day either. Day time I did sit in recliner, but I just couldn't really get comfortable.
   — Janice K.

July 12, 2000
Alma, I had my surgery 4/25/00 and slept on a mountain of pillows behind me (so I wasn't laying all the way flat -- easier to get back up again!) but some nights it wasn't enough, and so I sat up in my rocking chair and slept that way. There were only a few days like that and I guess it's mostly what you find particularly comfortable. Good luck on the 17th!
   — Beth B.

July 13, 2000
I am two weeks post-op today and I used a recliner the first night home, the switched from recliner to couch the second night and the couch the next third and fourth nights and have slept in bed since. I have used the recliner daily just for comfort, but I did have some back pain from not sleeping in bed. I hope this helps. Luv.,,,
   — heidiinPA

July 14, 2000
We had planned to get a lazyboy for my first week home, and the doctor overheard and said no. He said to keep swelling down it's best to use the bed because you can lie flat; that even tho it seems like your legs are elevated in a lazyboy, they are still not even or above your heart and that's what you need. On the other hand, my family picked out a new king size bed that was so high I needed a step stool to get in and out for the first few days. Easiest way to sleep is keep the binder you get in the hospital. You don't neccisarily wear it all day, but keep sleeping in it until your staples are all out.
   — Kasey K.

May 1, 2001
I'm 7 weeks post op today. I was in the hospital 5 days and spent 5 days at my moms. When I came home I (and this may sound funny, but it worked great) bought a beanbag chair..just your ordinary run of the mill beanbag chair and put it in my bed. I leaned up into the beanbag chair and slept much better than all the way flat in the bed for the first few weeks at home and then I was feeling better gradually to move down into the bed and onto my side and eventually put the bean bag chair away. Much cheaper than a Lazy Boy :)
   — Helen W.

May 1, 2001
I had surgery 4/9/01 and was home 4/12/01. We have a waterbed and I slept in it the first night, and everynight since. For me the side rails made it easy, something to grip on to as I got in and out. I roll, carefully, and lift myself with my arms and knees. It has worked out great, and I've been able to get good sleep right from the beginning. Becky Foster
   — bek4901

October 9, 2001
Man, you guys are lucky. I'm 10 days post-op open RnY and I still can't get a good nights rest laying down. I can manage an hour or so on my side, none n my tummy. I mostly sleep sitting up in bed, and sometimes sleep in the lazy boy; but even that isn't all that comfy. I'm tired of not being able to stretch out in bed, and am becoming restless. I sleep with a pile of pillows behind me for some comfort, but no where near as comfy as stretched out in bed.
   — christine D.

June 2, 2002
my surgery ws 5/17/02 and just 2 days ago I FINALLY got to sleep all night in bed. Definitely the recliner was a godsend. I still sleep with a pillow at my stomach to give a bit of mild pressure so I can be comfortable.
   — ChickpeaBree I.